The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-09-25

Bismarck's Relations with Russia Not
Clearly Understood.
Special to the Indianapolis Journal.
LONDON, Sept 24.-Prince Bism arck has once
more spoken on the Bulgarian question. At any
rate. there seems no doubt that the North Ger
man Gazette has once more received article
from his pen. The German Chancellor processes
to be very angry with the Bulgarians because
they have. in three successive years, interfersd
with his plans for preserving the peace of
Europe. In diplomatic circles it is said that
Prince Bismarck has completely thrown the
Bulgarian sheep to the Russian wolf that
it seems emnently probable that he
expects to receive some equivalent The ques
tons asked are: HAS he secured promise OF
of Russian neutrality in the conflict with France
which he hardly expects to postpone more than
a short time longer7" Or, us he driven to
extremes and really anxious to make every
practicable sacrifice rather than embark a
war in the present condirions2" The suggestion
that Prince Ferdinand of Coburg has gone TO
Bulgaria merely in the general interest of the
Orleans family. to provoke European war, in
which some pretender to the French throne may
And the opportunity he is working for. seems
too far-fetched to be credible. and can hardly be
seriously meant But great deal of impor-
lance, perhaps. attaches to the renewed
assertion that the German policy is to maintain
peace on the basis of the treaty of Berlin. It
may imply that Germany will support the Turk
ish proposal If it il to be made, for sending
6 Russian general to Sofa as Turkish commits
sfoner. In that case, however. judging from
what Is known of the present Bulgarian Min
istry, the first result will be to bring on the war
which Germany wishes to avoid. The safest in
ference after all. is that Prince Bismarck's pol
icy is to postpone the evil dav-a policy which
is just low acceptable TO all the powers.
prominent diplomatic. in an interview to-
day. said the mos. plausible reason for Prince
Bism arck's wishing 20 postpone the evil day,
might possibly be found in an important pamph-
let published this week in in Paris. entitled LA
I.e.tre du Pope ct LItalie Offcielle" It would
seem from this pamphlet that Prince Biamarck
is becoming alarmed at the continually growing
strength ef the Russian bear and his Unsuitable
thirst for Western possessions, and is preparing
grand move the political chess
board which will cLeckmate his powerful
neghhor and again make the German Chancel-
Tor the arbiter of the peace of Europe. This
pamphlet is said to be directly In spired by tbs
Pope, and treat OF a nodus vivendi between the
Vatican and the Quirinal Il also mentions
matter which is much talked of in Rome and in
Berlin, to-wit The mediation of the Pope for the
restoration to France of the two provinces of
Alsace and Lorraine, whereby Germany hopes
to prevent bloody and terrible war and to OBJ
tain on the other hand certain concessions
which are of greater Importance TO her than the
two disconnected and ungovernabie provinces.
Some English newspapers ridicule the idea of this
mediation. but 1t is none the less fact that the
matter is one of the most prominent now talked
of in the inner circles of diplomacy. Ths an
ton of Prince Hohenlohe, Governor general Of
Alsace Lorraine, is SAID TO be the first step to-
ward reconciliation of Germany
and France on the aforementioned
basis. Should the Pope be successful
a mediator between Germany and
France as his Holiness between Germany
and Spain, in the Carolipes island affair. Prince
Bismarck. by merely saying "hands of" will be
able to stop all Russian intrigues for the posses
sion OF Bulgaria. and in fact dispel the whole of
the war-clouds which have for the past two
years been lowering over the Balkan States. 1t
is possible that afederation of the Balkan States
will then take place with view for their better
from outside intrigue.